Enzo Maresca has admitted he feels “embarrassed” by the treatment given to Ben Chilwell but has reiterated that the full-back does not fit into his Chelsea plans.
Chilwell, 28, had made 70 Premier League appearances for the west London club in the four years prior to Maresca's arrival but has only appeared once, in the Carabao Cup, this season.
Maresca, who took over as Chelsea manager last summer, said on Monday that he sympathized with the England international.
“Because players want to play more, there is probably a chance they will leave,” Maresca said. “But Ben has been the best. I have to say he has been the best.
“Very professional, works hard. I feel embarrassed about that situation but in terms of behavior he has been very good.”
When asked why Chilwell was not present, the Italian coach added: “First of all, because it is my choice. And because I can see Malo Gusto, Reece James or Marc Cucurella doing different types of jobs during the game.
“I think Chilwell is a top-class full-back, he does that job from top to bottom and he's had the opportunity in the past to win titles and be in the national team, but I find it difficult to see Ben doing different types of things.”
Maresca said in the same press conference, when speaking about the recovered James, that he was “not a fan of full-backs going up and down.”
He also spoke about the information that links the young defender Renato Veiga, 21, with a signing for Borussia Dortmund. Portuguese international Veiga joined Chelsea from FC Basel last summer, but is said to be unhappy with his playing time and position – Chelsea prefer him at left-back rather than centre-back.
“I'm not aware that there is an agreement for Renato,” Maresca said. “Yesterday he was here working, today he will be working, so he is our player. We will see if something happens.”
“We bought Renato from Basel, he arrived and played well in different positions and allowed him to join the national team for the first time in his life. Even if he didn't play in his position [centre back]The fact that he plays for an international team probably means that the position he is playing is doing well for him.
“We are happy that all the players are going to the international team, especially the young players who come to Chelsea, play in four or five different positions and have the opportunity to play in the national team. We are very proud of that.”
Chelsea are winless in five Premier League games and host Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
